Topical Chemotherapy in Fort Lauderdale, FL

When skin cancer is identified in the early stages, you'll typically have more treatment options. One treatment for non-melanoma cancer in the upper layers of skin is topical chemotherapy. A cream that can be applied at home, topical chemotherapy treatments might be prescribed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eric Wilkerson if you have actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesion), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). To learn more about topical chemotherapy and other skin cancer treatments at Fort Lauderdale Dermatology, contact our office in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Topical chemotherapy is a nonsurgical treatment that destroys precancerous and cancerous cells in the top layer of the skin. You may be a candidate for topical chemotherapy if you are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or actinic keratosis. Topical chemotherapy avoids scars from surgery and limits the exposure of the chemotherapy so the treatment does not lead to side effects in your whole body. Topical chemotherapy is not recommended if you have a more aggressive form of skin cancer or if the cancer has spread beyond the upper skin layers.

You will apply your topical chemotherapy treatment on your own in the privacy of your home. The cream is usually applied one or two times per day for several weeks. You should expect the treatment area to appear raw, and you may feel some discomfort as the medicine destroys cancerous and precancerous cells on the skin. You will have to return periodically to our office for follow-up appointments with Dr. Wilkerson. He will assess your treatment, look for any signs of concern or reactions, and adjust your treatment as needed. During these follow-up visits, Dr. Wilkerson will also be able to estimate the remaining length of your treatment.

You will need to be sure you are caring for your skin during and after your topical chemotherapy treatment. Certain moisturizers, such as those made with petroleum jelly, can be helpful to soothe your skin. Once your treatment is finished, Dr. Wilkerson will give you recommendations on how to help your skin recover. You should be vigilant about using sun protection after your treatment to avoid a recurrence of cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer in the top layers of your skin, learn more about topical chemotherapy treatments at Fort Lauderdale Dermatology. Seasoned dermatologist Dr. Eric Wilkerson might treat your skin with medicated cream that you'll use at home. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilkerson at his office in Fort Lauderdale, FL to decide if topical chemotherapy is right for you.